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Indications for HBOT
- LONG COVID -
HBOT as a treatment for long COVID-related fatigue
Long COVID is a condition that affects individuals who have had COVID-19 and continues to experience symptoms long after the initial infection. One of the most common symptoms of long COVID is fatigue, which can severely impact the quality of life of affected individuals. Despite the limited treatment options available for long COVID, a recent study conducted at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has shown promising results in the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a treatment for long COVID-related fatigue.
The study, which represents the first evaluated use of HBOT for long COVID in the UK or internationally, involved a small sample size of ten patients. However, the results were statistically and clinically significant, with large effect size measures suggesting a substantial improvement in both fatigue and cognitive function using validated scales. The positive effects of HBOT were also observed clinically and qualitatively by patients who reported that their lives had been transformed after receiving the therapy.
Promising results
One possible explanation for the positive effects of HBOT is that the wide variety of changes that characterize long COVID are a result of prolonged tissue hypoxia. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which can help to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and tissues, potentially reversing hypoxia.
While the initial results are promising, the study highlights the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms of long COVID and the potential impact of HBOT. The authors of the study suggest that larger-scale randomized placebo-controlled trials and the creation of a registry of patients receiving HBOT for long COVID symptoms are urgently needed.
In conclusion, the use of HBOT as a treatment for long COVID-related fatigue shows promising results. While further research is needed, these findings offer hope for individuals experiencing the debilitating effects of long COVID and the urgent need for effective treatment options.